Bram Fischer Afrikaner Revolutionary

by Stephen Clingman

In 1964 Bram Fischer led the defence of Nelson Mandela in the Rivonia Trial. In 1966 Fischer was himself sentenced to life imprisonment in South Africa for his political activities against the policies of apartheid. Before his sentencing he had spent nine months underground, in disguise, evading a nationwide manhunt. He was South Africa's most wanted man, his cause recognised and celebrated around the world. What had brought him to these circumstances? And what led to his untimely death after nine years in prison? This biography follows a fascinating journey of conscience and personal transformation. Fischer was born into one of the most prominent Afrikaner nationalist families, yet came to understand that to be a South African in the fullest sense he had to identify with all of South Africa's people. A Rhodes Scholar and distinguished lawyer, endowed with gifts of intelligence, charisma, and integrity, he abandoned the temptations of power and prestige to ensure human rights and justice for all. Drawn to communism in order to solve problems of race, he offered revised versions and visions of both. Covering more than one hundred years of South African history, the book ranges from the stories of Fischer and his wife, Molly, to the courtroom drama of South Africa's great political trials, to the political intrigue of the 1960s and beyond.

Genres: South Africa, Southern Africa, Biography

500 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1998

Reviews

[Kaushik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fighting for a cause like the end of apartheid against a Nazi-like government requires a great deal of courage. Bram did this but what truly sets him apart is that as an aristocratic Afrikaner and brilliant lawyer, he could easily have become a Chief Justice or a senior politician. Instead he became one of the bravest fighters in the freedom struggle.

What makes the book excellent is the painstaking research and chronicling of the transformation of Bram from a staunch Afrikaner nationalist (quite natural given his background) into a left wing liberal. A reader will be struck by Bram's courage - not only to make the required sacrifices but also to question his own beliefs and allow his sense of identity to evolve and broaden. This book is a must read for anyone interested in the genesis of true greatness.

[Frikkie Bruwer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hope, pray and believe that our country can be an example of how different cultures can come together to achieve great things. But for that to happen, love must drive out hatred and resent. This will not start with our politicians, but with us all.

Ek hoop, bid en glo ons land kan 'n voorbeeld wees van hoe verskillende kulture saam groot dinge kan bereik. Maar vir dit om te gebeur moet die liefde die haat uit dryf, dit gaan nie by politici begin nie, maar by ons almal.

'n Ontnugterende en inspirerende verhaal.
Ek hoop om dié kerngedagtes met my saam te neem:
1. Kyk 2 keer na die situasie waarin jy jouself bevind, jou omstandighede is kompleks en verdien dieper denke. Mense het geleef en gesterf vir wat jy het.
2. Al is jy hoe oortuig van jou opinies, luister na ander s'n. Om oningelig te wees baat niemand en verder sal jy baie makliker so die respek van ander kry.
3. Streef en pas direk in jou lewe toe dit waarin jy glo en waarnatoe jy jou wêreld wil stuur.

My eerste biografie wat ek lees, dit was makliker as wat ek gedink het.
Sal dit ook voorstel vir enige jong Afrikaner soos ek wat 'n bietjie meer oor die donker deel van ons geskiedenis wil leer.

[Gabriela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best books I have ever read, and while that may sound prosaic, it is, for me, a fact. Bram Fischer was a truly special human being. He was willing to sacrifice so much for what seemed like so little in return. But one has to look at the significance of his life to see what he received in return, and that was to become a true symbol of courage, a symbol of true non-racial unification against oppression. I feel that he would have wanted nothing in return anyway. Although he suffered so acutely at the hands of those who were supposed to be of his own "ilk", he never faltered in his efforts to support and comfort others; while never seeking the same in return. This autobiography is especially suitable for the current situation in South Africa, because it reminds of us of the focus that we began with, and which our current "leaders", have since lost.

[Gugu Maduna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bram Fischer a very couregeous individual. Him being an Afrikaner didn't mean he could prejudice black, indian and coloured people. Even though his grandfather served under the apartheid government but made a choice that he will follow his conscious not that of his grandfather. He stood against injustices of the apartheid government. The introduction of acts such as the Native Affairs Act, Suppression of Communisim Act, Sabotage Act, Sobukwe Act etc he had seen them as a deterrent to a better life for all. The stance he took against the apartheid government was beyond reproach. Particularly after he defend all the treason trail accused.